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Susan SmithSusan Smith has worked as an editor and writer in the technology industry for over 16 years. As an editor she has been responsible for the launch of a number of technology trade publications, both in print and online. Currently, Susan is the Editor of GISCafe and AECCafe, as well as those sites’ newsletters and blogs. She writes on a number of topics, including but not limited to geospatial, architecture, engineering and construction. As many technologies evolve and occasionally merge, Susan finds herself uniquely situated to be able to cover diverse topics with facility. « Less

Susan SmithSusan Smith has worked as an editor and writer in the technology industry for over 16 years. As an editor she has been responsible for the launch of a number of technology trade publications, both in print and online. Currently, Susan is the Editor of GISCafe and AECCafe, as well as those sites’ … More »

TerraGo Version 6 Allows Sharing and Updates

A significant technology and release cycle characterize the latest 6.0 release of TerraGo. According to CEO Rick Cobb, the company has released the first version of their TerraGo SDK – a modular functionality that you can use through a service, a rapid dynamic link library. “Every major function we perform can be plugged into someone else’s app, into the cloud or some other server based app,” said Cobb. “The SDK is being deployed by GeoEye this summer so when someone goes to the GeoEye iCloud services based platform they will be able to use TerraGo to make collaborative GeoPDF images.”

TerraGo booth at Esri UC Conference 2011 in San Diego

What that means is the SDK allows you to take functionality from TerraGo’s core library and plug it into apps. BAE is extending their next generation of Socket GXP and Explorer to include things like layered interactive and collaborative imagery as well as 3D. Hitachi has recently released a new version of their technology Geomation which also leverages the SDK. The SDK is a new approach for TerraGo to create this library of features and functionality that allows people to deploy it in all disparate ways in different systems.

TerraGo will introduce new capabilities in the upcoming version 6 (V6) software releases of its popular TerraGo Toolbar, Publisher and Composer solutions to fully enable GeoPDF maps and imagery to be updated and shared by any Adobe Reader and TerraGo Toolbar user anywhere.TerraGo’s core product line, Publisher for ArcGIS, Publisher for ArcGIS Server, Publisher for Raster Composer, Mobile, etc. are going through a massive upgrade of next generation architecture in 6.0. TerraGo has signed an IP agreement with Adobe and is plugging some information for the Adobe IP into all their Publisher and Composer products so that when anyone makes a GeoPDF image or map product it will automatically be enabled for full blown markup and collaboration, both with the TerraGo Toolbar client as well as with the Adobe Reader environment.

“An ArcGIS user who creates a map and serves it out to the field is now delivering a completely automated map that’s able to be marked up easily that will allow users to import data from different sources. People will be able to embed their own multimedia, content, hyperlinks, etc. and use all the advanced functionality. They can share and export all that information back to the ArcGIS user, back to KML and Google Earth or to any other Adobe user,” said Cobb.

TerraGo’s goal is to join the enterprise GIS department with their end users who are frequently in the field, or in other areas where they are not GIS experts, allow them to do all the personalization and updating and allow that information to be shared anywhere.

6.0 is making collaboration available for everyone everywhere. The product is updating some of the core sharing functionality so organizations can do more real time or near real time sharing.

“If I’m in the field on a mobile device and I take a picture and hit send I can automatically annotate someone else’s GeoPDF anywhere else in the world,” said Cobb. “When you capture information in the field you can share that in near real time with anyone anywhere. Along those lines we’re moving TerraGo Mobile onto Android and iOS platforms, we’re releasing production on Android in Q4 and releasing production in Q1 on iOS. We also add core capabilities to plug our products deeper into the ArcGIS and Esri infrastructure so we’re working in data driven pages, automated class identification for geomarks in ArcGIS, as well as the ability to do all kinds of advanced layering in layer control, so ArcGIS users can produce a custom collaboration product right there.”

Key partners of TerraGo include BAE, i-Cubed and OverWatch and Hitachi. Hitachi’s Location Intelligence Group has a case study of the tsunami and how they employed geospatial technologies to help in the recovery effort, the identification of damage and remediation, etc.

Hitachi gleaned from various sources some synthetic aperture radar information around water penetration from the tsunami, from before and after quake damage, and additional cadastral information. They built from it a multi-nested layered map book that contained 38,000 individual maps all built into 42 map books and then distributed that to the government, who then distributed that to all the state and local agencies, and everyone who was responsible, to do a damage assessment. The map books were used to figure out who was entitled to damages.

About 180,000 properties were damaged by the tsunami and the Japanese government issued 130,000 certificates for damages. They used the GeoPDF map books that were really a mashup of all the geospatial data from the various imagery and map providers put into a collaborative environment that anyone can use and share.

The area that was close to the reactors, was shut down so no one could even do a flyover, so the government used the GeoPDF Atlases, but they used them to verify full damage with no on the ground visual inspection. Based on that information, they were able to issue hundreds of certificates.

TerraGo is an Esri Gold Partner and a Silver Sponsor of the Esri Conference in San Diego. They are also a Gold Partner of Adobe and an IP partner.

The ability to have standard core IT technologies for those who are not GIS experts as well as formats available for Esri, BAE, OverWatch and Geomation – and organizations that require those technologies make it possible for TerraGo to address those two markets.

Their long term expertise in the defense and intelligence sector has prepared the company well for other industries such as the disaster sector, planning and assessment, as well as critical infrastructure industries such as oil and gas and public safety.

Top of the News

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. is proud to announce the Garmin StreetPilot Onboard App for iPhone is now available on the App Store. The Garmin StreetPilot Onboard App offers onboard mapping and navigation, giving drivers and travelers an unparalleled range of industry-leading options for efficient routing, effortless planning and stress-free touring wherever they may go.

Dell announced its work with Bing Maps to create a dedicated imagery processing microsite to support Streetside, Bird’s Eye, aerial and satellite image types provided by Bing Maps. Dell’s Modular Data Centers combined with Mellanox InfiniBand networking were the building blocks of the new highly efficient microsite.

Acquisitions/Agreements/Alliances

Cityworks announced its collaboration with Information & Graphics Systems Consultants L.L.C. (InfoGraph) as the primary distributor of Cityworks software products within the Middle-Eastern Kingdom of Jordan. In addition to distribution, InfoGraph will be providing Cityworks for Arabic versions. As a result of this alliance Cityworks anticipates growth within the Middle East in the near future.

Survey Solutions Scotland, a supplier of Trimble and FARO laser scanners, has joined the Pointools Partner Program in the UK. Pointools software streamlines scan-to-model workflows by enabling project teams to reference and reuse the largest point cloud models – the billions of measurement points taken by 3D laser scanners – inside the broadest range of applications.

Announcements

TomTom announced the availability of Commercial Vehicle Restrictions integrated into TomTom PRO navigation solutions. In some states, business vehicles can be restricted from using particular roads and classification varies by state and any vehicle that bears commercial license plates must adhere to these regulations. With Commercial Vehicle Restrictions content, drivers will receive safe, legal and efficient routes for restricted vehicles.

CoreLogic released its June Home Price Index (HPI) which shows that home prices in the U.S. increased by 0.7 percent in June 2011 compared to May 2011, the third consecutive month-over-month increase. According to CoreLogic, national home prices, including distressed sales, declined by 6.8 percent in June 2011 compared to June 2010 after declining by 6.7 percent* in May 2011 compared to May 2010. Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices declined by 1.1 percent in June 2011 compared to June 2010 and by 2.1* percent in May 2011 compared to May 2010. Distressed sales include short sales and real estate owned (REO) transactions.

Mobile Local Search 2011 adds more intensive analysis and many new insights to the best selling research report published in 2010. The clear objective of this year’s research is to illuminate the economic landscape of mobile local search in China, Korea, and Japan along with powerful new entrants on the North American and EU leader boards.

Financials

DigitalGlobe, Inc. reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2011.

Second quarter 2011 revenue was $81.7 million, up 1% compared with the same period last year. Included in second quarter revenue is $6.4 million of amortized revenue related to NextView, the predecessor to the EnhancedView contract with the U.S. Government. Not included in second quarter revenue is $24.8 million of deferrals related to the service level agreement (SLA) portion of EnhancedView.

Trimble announced second quarter 2011 revenue of $407.2 million, up approximately 22 percent as compared to the second quarter of 2010.

Operating income for the second quarter of 2011 was $51.6 million, up 27 percent as compared to the second quarter of 2010. Operating margin in the second quarter of 2011 was 12.7 percent, compared to 12.2 percent in the second quarter of 2010.

Garmin Ltd. announced second quarter results for the period ended June 25, 2011.

Second Quarter 2011 Financial highlights:

Total revenue of $674 million, down 8% from $729 million in second quarter 2010 with four segments posting growth:

Automotive/Mobile segment revenue decreased 19% to $363 million

Outdoor segment revenue increased 1% to $81 million

Fitness segment revenue increased 25% to $78 million

Aviation segment revenue increased 13% to $73 million

Marine segment revenue increased 6% to $79 million

New Products

Autodesk, Inc. announced Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2012 software for conceptual design and AutoCAD Utility Design 2012 software for electric utility design, two new additions to the Autodesk Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Infrastructure portfolio for planning, designing, building, and managing more sustainable infrastructure. These new products complement the Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2012, to help industry professionals increase efficiency and remove waste from their processes.

Space-Time Insight announced the availability of new capabilities in its software to further simplify the ability of a utility or independent system operator (ISO) to assess the performance of the electric grid, and visualize, analyze and correlate large volumes of data received from multiple sources, a critical requirement in the deployment of Wide Area Situational Awareness (WASA) systems. Designed to accommodate the microsecond measurements recorded by synchrophasors, devices used to measure the state and quality of the power system, the new software arms control room operators with timely information needed to make instant decisions that impact grid stability and availability.

Orbit GeoSpatial Technologies announced the launch of Orbit GIS X, the new generation desktop GIS.

Orbit GT announces the availability of Orbit GIS X. Totally reworked, Orbit GIS X is the new engine for the Orbit GT portfolio. Being specialized in government, public safety and mapping industry solutions, the release of Orbit GIS X will lower the threshold for many GIS users to come.

GfK GeoMarketing has completed the English version of its geomarketing solution RegioGraph 2011. Shipment will begin in October. RegioGraph 2011 includes new territory- and location-planning features as well as an overhauled user interface and an updated cartographic basis. RegioGraph supports companies around the world in a wide range of tasks in sales, marketing, expansion-planning and controlling.

The overall scope of this conference is to offer an interdisciplinary, international forum for sharing knowledge about the application of Geoinformatics with focus on developing countries.

The content is twofold and participative. There will be professional training and workshops about current topics in the fields of Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics as well as reports (presentations) from the participants about applications and developments in their countries. Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings.

The 19th edition of PhotoImageBrazil will present the latest in digital photography and related services connected with the sector, bringing together in one place the major manufacturers, importers of photographic equipment and accessories. At the same time will be held the Forum PhotoImageBrazil 2011.

GIS Development with an intent to expand its activities and programs in Latin American continent is expanding its network of conferences in Latin America and is developing a regional conference for geospatial industry. Though there is no dearth of conferences in this region too, but we at GIS Development believe the Latin American Geospatial Forum will contribute an intern ational platform for information exchange and meaningful dialogue between and amongst various stakeholder of Latin American Geospatial Industry.

Located in the King’s Manor, part of the University of York and one of the historic city’s most attractive and unusual sites, this conference aims to bring together working group members, researchers, developers and practitioners to discuss research, technological developments and projects relating to the cultural heritage application of survey and other close range image measurement techniques.

The theme of this year’s conference, Strategic Partnerships for Effective Policing: Making the Right Connections for the Right Reasons, will focus on providing insightful and energetic presentations, distinctive and accomplished speakers, and informative plenary sessions. Presenters with varying backgrounds and areas of expertise will await the delegates of this year’s conference.

The ISDE is a non-political, non-governmental and not-for-profit international organisation, principally for promotion of academic exchange, science and technology innovation, education, and international collaboration. The purpose of the society is to promote international cooperation on the Digital Earth vision, and enable the Digital Earth technology to play key roles inter alia, in economic and social sustainable development, environmental protection, disaster mitigation, natural resources conservation and improvement of human being’s living standard.

ISDE is a non-political, non-governmental and not-for-profit international organisation, principally for promotion of academic exchange, science and technology innovation, education, and international collaboration. The purpose of the society is to promote international cooperation on the Digital Earth vision, and enable the Digital Earth technology to play key roles inter alia, in economic and social sustainable development, environmental protection, disaster mitigation, natural resources conservation and improvement of human being’s living standard.

The GeoGathering conference provides a solid venue for oil & gas gathering system and production line operators to share their experiences in applying GIS (Geospatial Information System) technology towards data collection, data maintenance and integrity management initiatives. The goal of GeoGathering is to provide valuable insight into geospatial topics and the current challenges operators face. Sessions focus on real-world experiences ranging from integrity management, regulatory requirements to data capture and GIS-based data analysis. Conference attendees will have an opportunity to interact with others in the industry and participate in open forums.

Our industry continues to morph at a rapid pace. In order to stay abreast of all the latest trends and technologies, it is essential to grow your knowledge base and networking reach. GIS is a strong industry in the Rocky Mountain region. Professionals, educators, students, and those just interested in learning more about GIS will gather at the 24th annual GIS in the Rockies Conference, to be held at “The Cable Center” in Denver, Colorado, August 31 – September 1, 2011 at our new location, The Cable Center in Denver.

I am running a major international conference called ‘Spatial Ecology and Conservation’. The conference will bring together an international field of ecological scientists, practitioners and conservationists to review, discuss and evaluate the latest advances in spatial ecology and associated technologies, and how these can best be deployed to underpin the conservation of species . Current gaps and future needs will also be identified, and a range of potential solutions discussed.

University of Salzburg
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Salzburg, Australia

Besides covering IAMG core topics like geostatistics, reservoir modeling, 3D modeling or geo-process simulation, the IAMG 2011 will address applied mathematical geosciences issues, with a specific reference to alpine regions: simulation and modeling in hydrogeology, engineering geology and geotechnics as well as geohazard modeling. Moreover, as from the close association of the Salzburg based Austrian Academy of Sciences GIScience Research Institute and the University of Salzburg Centre for Geoinformatics, recent developments in GIS and remote sensing with an emphasis on object based image analysis as well as non-destructive 3D reconstruction of rock macro- and microstructures will be highlighted.

From the year 2006, Map Africa conference has evolved tremendously with time, encompassing and deliberating on various application areas and emerging geospatial technologies serving the same. Map Africa 2010 is a remarkable milestone that we achieved through the journey of Map Africa series of conferences.

Showcase Ontario is a unique opportunity to see the best in public and private sector business technology solutions. Taking place over three days, participants have access to career-focused education sessions, world-class speakers and a dynamic exhibition.

The Engineering & Construction Contracting Association (ECC) consists of owners, contractors, suppliers, and academics who are interested in using the latest ideas to improve the performance of the industry and their organizations. ECC achieves this with a high-quality annual conference, together with ongoing programs such as Future Leaders and outreach to the academic community.

The 2011 Esri Health GIS Conference is your opportunity to learn about cutting-edge GIS tools, network with peers across the health continuum, and gain perspective from industry leaders. This event is open to professionals in public health, hospitals and health systems, human services, and academic health and research.

IMTA (Americas) announces its 2011 Conference & Member Showcase. Please take a moment to look at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa brochure. The beauty of the hotel and desert will provide an outstanding venue for IMTA members to meet.

FOSS4G is the global conference focused on Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial, organized by OSGeo. In 2011, FOSS4G will be held in Denver, after being held in Barcelona, Sydney and Cape Town the past three years. The last North American FOSS4G event was in Victoria, BC, in 2007.

URISA and the National Center for Transit Research (NCTR) cordially invites you to attend the 6th National GIS in Public Transportation Conference, held September 13-15, 2011, at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. The conference provides an excellent opportunity to learn cutting-edge GIS techniques, network with industry experts, and discover new technological advances in transit.

Forum for Design Languages (FDL) is a well established international forum devoted to dissemination of research results, practical experiences and new ideas in the application of specification, design and verification languages to the design, modelling and verification of integrated circuits, complex hardware/software embedded systems, and mixed-technology systems. Modelling and specification concepts push the development of new design and verification methodologies to system level thus providing a means for model-driven design of complex information processing systems in a variety of application domains.

Talbot Campus of Bournemouth University (BU)
Wallisdown Road, United Kingdom

Our interdisciplinary theme, “Earth Observation in a Changing World”, will bring together researchers and practitioners, and will facilitate discussion of key issues in the science, technology and application of photogrammetry and remote sensing to meet society’s needs.

Fleming Gulf, the leading provider of specialist information and services for the academic and scientific, professional and commercial business communities globally, is delighted to announce a new addition to our Geospatial event portfolio. The launch of our Middle East Geospatial Summit. 13Th – 15th September 2011 Doha Qatar.

The Summit will provide an excellent opportunity to meet and network within the Middle Eastern and international geospatial community. Through keynote presentations, panels and case studies, the speakers at this event will share their insights about the use of geospatial intelligence in the region and beyond.

First of all, we hasten to express our sympathy for people suffered by the East Japan great earthquake and pray for early revival.

This is to inform you that G-spatial EXPO Executive Committee had decided to cancel the G-spatial EXPO Business Forum 2011 which was planned for the period between September 14 and 16, 2011 and instead hold G-spatial EXPO 2012 in Pacifico Yokohama from June 21 to 23, 2012.

Avenza Systems Inc., producers of MAPublisher cartographic software for Adobe Illustrator and Geographic Imager spatial tools for Adobe Photoshop, is pleased to announce the 2011 schedule for its comprehensive 2-day MAPublisher training course. This 2-day class offers in-depth MAPublisher training that will enable MAPublisher users to maximize their use of MAPublisher and fully exploit its features and power.